Patent GB-1039104-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to automatic toe closing of stockings
Inventor: BRYAN LEONARD THOMAS FRANK
IPC: D05B23/00
Filed: 1963-04-29
Abstract: 1,039,104. Sewing machines. DETEXOMAT Ltd. April 28, 1964 [April 29, 1963; June 28, 1963; Nov. 11, 1963 and March 2, 1964], Nos. 16833/63, 25827/63, 44486/63 and 8699/64. Heading D1G. [Also in Division B5] Apparatus for closing the toe of a stocking comprises a carrier on which the stocking can be mounted with the toe portion in a predetermined position relatively to the carrier and thus in a predetermined attitude, a clamp means, means for moving the carrier along a predetermined path relative to the clamp means to present the toe portion in said attitude to the clamp means which when closed holds the toe portion in said attitude, and a sewing machine adapted to close the toe portion along a predetermined line while the toe portion is thus held. As shown, an inspection form 1, carrying a stocking S, is advanced to position the toe end of the stocking within open clamp jaws 3 which are then closed to retain the toe end while form 1 is withdrawn, jaws 3 then rotating to convey the toe end past a sewing machine 5. Form 1 comprises a flat plate 14 rigid with a rotatable and axially-slidable horizontal shaft 8 and provided on each side with a pair of ribs 15 tapering towards the free end of plate 14. Said free end is narrowed and is formed with a transverse aperture 18, a transverse line 19 with which the inner edge of the reinforced toe end B of the stocking is aligned. Said free end is also formed with a pair of longitudinal slots 17 to permit alignment of the apeces of the heel-reinforcing triangles H of the stocking. Shaft 8 is connected to a motor via drive means and a magnetic clutch, energization of which serves to shift shaft 8 from a retracted position to an advanced position, to dwell at the latter, and then to return to the retracted position. The arcuate and vertically-slidable jaws 3 are carried by a radial arm 38 rigid with a vertical shaft which is biased by spring means to an end portion and which may be rotated through a limited angle by a motor via a magnetic clutch. The jaws 3 are lined on their inner faces with resilient material 33, are spring-biased to the open position, and are closable by means of an electrically actuated Bowden cable. A pair of uncurler jaws 50, outside and concentric with jaws 3, are spring biased to the open position, and are closable by means of an electricallyactuated Bowden cable. With a stocking correctly positioned on form 1, the drive to bar 8 is started. When form 1 is stationary in its advanced position, a cam associated with said drive actuates a switch for closing jaws 3 and 50. While form 1 is retracting, leaving the toe portion of the stocking within said jaws, a further cam actuates switch for starting the drive to arm 38 and the sewing machine 5 respectively. On commencement of the rotation of arm 38, a cam associated with the drive thereto actuates a switch for lowering the presser foot 60 of the sewing machine. Closure of the toe along a line T and trimming of the surplus material is then effected, when a further cam associated with the drive to arm 38 actuates a switch to stop the drive to arm 38 and the sewing machine. Arm 38 is then returned by spring means to its initial position, when a further switch is actuated for opening the jaws 3 and 50. The completed stocking is then drawn down a suction duct 67, the free end having previously been inserted therein. Work trimmings are conveyed by a suction duct 65 to a compartment 63. A pivoted arm 68 disposed in advance of the jaws 3 and adjacent the path of movement of form 1, is adapted, on being raised, to stop the apparatus to prevent an operator's hand being inadvertently trapped in the jaws 3.